Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites, led by Moses, had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home. Deuteronomy 12 explains proper worship of the Lord, expanding on the first commandment about having no other gods before Him, how to sacrifice, and how to graciously give. When the Israelites entered Canaan, they were to tear down all the pagan holy places. There would be a central place of worship once the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Many other rules were laid out about how they were to worship, much more rigid than when they were in the wilderness.
The Lord desired to lead His people away from idols and false gods. If Israel would walk in obedience to God, it would experience His mercy, compassion, and provision. Isn’t that true for today? God wants us to worship together and serve Him together as the body of Christ. Part of our Christian walk involves giving so that God’s work can be done through helping our neighbors, supporting missions, and providing learning opportunities.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, help us to be generous in our time that we devote to you in a variety of ways which includes upholding the local congregation with one's prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Amen.
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